Technology (Cybersecurity)

Nebraska's LB 1054 appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2026-27 to the State Department of Education. This funding creates a grant program to help school districts, educational service units, and approved private or parochial schools purchase cybersecurity products and services. The bill directly affects K-12 schools across Nebraska by providing financial support for cybersecurity measures. The key provision is the allocation of specific funds for grants, not general funding, to address cybersecurity needs in educational institutions.

LB 94 adopts the Digital Skills Empowerment Act to expand digital skills training in Nebraska's underserved communities. It directly affects residents in qualified census tracts (including North Omaha) and returning prisoners by providing grants for training centers ($20M/year) and covering costs like tuition and childcare for low-income individuals ($20M/year). The bill establishes standardized curricula, partnerships with tech companies, and paid apprenticeships ($10M/year) to develop job skills in fields like web development and cybersecurity. Key provisions require training centers to offer virtual/in-person options and ensure industry-aligned programs to increase local employment opportunities.

LB 599 requires Nebraska's State Board of Education to create a comprehensive cybersecurity policy for all public, private, denominational, and parochial schools and educational service units. The policy must include a step-by-step cybersecurity guide for schools, a statewide cybersecurity team to assist schools and address threats, expanded digital safety education for students and staff, a career pipeline to recruit rural students into tech fields, and funding mechanisms to help schools purchase cybersecurity tools. This bill directly affects all Nebraska schools by mandating specific security measures and resources to protect student data and infrastructure.